Research Assistant III Lab

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Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Chiu Lab seeks a highly motivated and experienced Research Assistant III to play a leadership role in both scientific research and laboratory operations. Under minimal direction, this individual will serve as a key partner to the Principal Investigator and work closely with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research assistants to advance studies at the intersection of neuroscience and immunology. Our lab investigates neuroimmune interactions in pain, itch, tissue inflammation, and neurodegeneration. We use animal models of disease alongside tissue culture systems, imaging, behavioral analysis, and immunological assays. This position is primarily focused on laboratory management, with the opportunity to participate in an independent scientific project. 

Research Assistant III Duties:

• Provide leadership in laboratory management and coordination.
• Serve as a key liaison between PI, lab members, and departmental/grants staff.
• Manages day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Oversees organization of laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables.
• Manages ordering of supplies and monitors expenditures in coordination with PI.
• Works as a liaison between PI and departmental staff/grants managers.
• Coordinates purchase, installation, and maintenance for laboratory equipment.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, animal care, and institutional safety regulations; serve as Lab Safety Officer.
• Leads animal colony management (genotyping, tracking) in coordination with research assistants.
• Assist with IACUC protocols, amendments, renewals, and inspections.
• Coordinating animal import/export and sharing of reagents with other labs.
• Organizes lab meetings and supports lab-wide communications.
• Optimizes and standardizes laboratory techniques across projects.
• Trains new lab members in key laboratory and animal procedures.

Working Conditions: Research Laboratory with some desk work

Basic Qualifications:

• College degree in biology, neuroscience, immunology, or related field; directly related work experience may substitute.
• Two or more years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's or PhD degree or significant post-graduate lab experience desirable.
• Experience working in a wet laboratory environment and animal models.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently.

• Appointment End Date: This is a two-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Pre-Employment Medical Evaluation
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.